The Marquis and the Magician's Assistant (The Rebel Royals 4)

"Don't listen," said Spin. Her hand was now on Lark’s arm as though holding her back from a fight with the idiot box. "You know that’s not the truth.”

“She’s right,” said Jan, rising from her place beside Alex. “And when you get on that stage, the whole country will see the truth.”

No, they wouldn’t, Lark thought. That reporter had seen the truth with his own eyes. He’d experienced it, but he still preferred this storyline. Just as Marlena had seen Lark’s hard work, but decided to believe Lark had gotten ahead on her back.

Lark should’ve known better. She should’ve done better. She knew that any hint of a relationship with her and her boss would be a disaster to her reputation, to her show, to her dream. But she’d thought she didn’t need to follow the instructions.

The problem was she didn't want to give up Omar. She also didn't want to give up her career. She was ready to slump down on the couch in defeat when an idea hit her. It was an idea she knew Omar wouldn’t like. But she saw no other way up the ladder of success.

Chapter Nineteen

The day had started out sunny, with a bright yellow sun shining down from a clear sky. However, by the time he’d pulled away from the club and onto the main road, the skies had tinted a foul shade of gray. The pit-pat of the rain only irritated him further as it slowed traffic on the way to his destination.

Omar knew he shouldn’t let those two noble pieces of scum get to him. But they had struck a nerve. He knew how the industry worked. He knew how precious reputations were, especially when they were the reputations of women. Whatever people thought of his relationship with Lark, Omar knew he’d emerge unscathed.

Even if he was whispered about behind cupped hands or across the television, he’d still come out on the other end with little injury to his character. There had been a little talk after his affair with Summer. He’d gone on to grow his business and attract more clientele. Whereas her star had f

aded.

Truth be told, that was largely due to the fact that she had very little real talent. Lark was an entirely different story. Not only did she have talent, but he didn’t want her to fade from his life.

He wanted to keep her.

Forever.

The clouds parted as the realization hit him. This was no passing fancy for him. His feelings for this woman would not dull or diminish. This was love.

Rain still fell when he pulled up to Mondego House. But the clouds had parted, and the sun was shining. Omar stepped out of his car and felt the droplets fall on his face. The rainwater washed his foul mood away. The sunshine warmed his beating heart.

It didn’t matter what anyone thought of his relationship with Lark. What was between them was there to stay. He needed to find her and declare it.

Walking into the great room where all of his friends were seated was like walking into a wake.

Alex, never at a loss for words or a good quip, chewed at his bottom lip. Zhi’s perpetually smiling face was set in a grimacing line. Jan and Spin were crowded around Lark. Both of the women glanced at Omar, then quickly looked away.

Worst of all, Lark wouldn’t look up at him. What had he done? Had Daniel called and told them about his little skirmish at the club?

It was the television screen that broke the silence. Omar recognized the reporter. There was a wicked gleam to the man’s eye, as though he was having the time of his life while kicking a little puppy just off camera. The reporter’s words didn’t matter. The images flashing on the screen spoke volumes.

They were all of Omar. On his arm was a parade of slender beauties. Snapshot after snapshot showed him with models, actresses, socialites, and the like.

The majority of the outings had been innocent. Most had been photo opportunities. On the women’s part, not his. But he’d played along.

The last snapshot was of him and Lark. The reporting was scandalous, filled with lies. Every word uttered by the loathsome reporter was designed to prick and sting. And it was all Omar’s fault.

Omar had hurt Lark just by loving her. The press would make a field day of their relationship. Her reputation as a magician was on a very shaky line.

He walked over to the television and turned it off. When he turned back to face this bit of music, the room was emptying of his friends. He was left alone with Lark.

Lark’s fae-like features were weary. Her slender shoulders slumped, as though in defeat. Her elegant fingers twisted at her middle.

Omar stepped forward and captured her hands in his. “Lark, I’m so sorry.”

Lark nodded, still not looking at him. Panic began to creep up his spine. Was he about to lose her? Would she choose to disassociate from him to save her career?

He couldn't ask her to do otherwise. They had only just met, only just started. He couldn't ask her to give up everything she was for him.

Oh, but how he wanted to.